Music: Salim-Sulaiman; Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya; Music Label: Zee Music Company

1. Kuch Parbat Hilaayein / Kuch Parbat Hilaayein (Intimate) – Singer: Arijit Singh / Salim Merchant – It starts off well and becomes quite staid as it proceeds.More melodious should have been the mukhda. In antara things get fine again. Amitabh’s lyrics have a more noticeable quality. Another version, sung by Salim himself is more appealing and sounds less staid because there’s Rock background and the arrangements have unplugged setup.

2. Poori Qaaynaat – Singers: Raj Pandit, Vishal Dadlani – Now this is something that definitely brings you a smile if you’re a music lover waiting for an appealing melody to hit you and penetrate into you with its classically laid notes sung efficiently by Raj Pandit. This has actually been adapted from their own work for Coke Studio @ MTV Season 3. The lyrics and the singers were different. While Raj Pandit replacing Rashid Khan is equally refreshing, Vishal Dadlani who gets a decent supporting portion which provides a fusion angle to the song, is a better replacement for Salim himself. The notes are as effective as Raj Pandit’s singing. One of the most outstanding portions in the song is when Sitar is played. Amitabh Bhattacharya writes another inspiring one.

3. Baabul Mora – Singing: Arijit Singh – It sounds like a vocal prelude when Arijit begins but eventually the whole song turns out to be like that. There’s hardly a percussion, just a one-beat rhythm. The song works mostly because of the beautiful notes and the way Arijit has managed to justify it. Salim-Sulaiman has pulled up their creative strength and come up with a song like this which has a great emotional impact, sonically and cinematically. Comes under the bests of Salim-Sulaiman and Arijit.

Salim-Sulaiman might have reduced their quantity of work too much but they still are not compromising with the quality.

Rahul Dholakia is returning into mainstream film business after a very long time and so is Ram Sampath. But the makers didn’t seem satisfied with only Ram being on board, so they called Pritam for help. Pritam has provided his and India’s only A&R Jam8, to encourage new talent in music. Under Jam8, Kaushik-Akaash have already delivered few songs in the past. Now the composers under Jam8 have got this grand platform to showcase their talent, and so does Ram Sampath.

1. Laila Main Laila – Singer: Pawni Pandey; Music: Kalyanji-Anandji (Recreated by Ram Sampath); Lyrics: Indeevar (Additional Lyrics: Javed Akhtar) – With every film, there’s a recreated song from any film that is more than ten years old atleast. Very few of those recreations come out to be really enjoyable and this, by Ram Sampath, comes under that. Pawni Pandey’s exuberant singing adds an appropriate amount of zest to the track. Although she lands up sounding Alisha Chenoy at many places, she manages to pull the song on her own.

2. Zaalima – Singer: Arijit Singh, Harshdeep Kaur; Music: JAM8; Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya – A song by Pritam’s JAM8 which sounds so much like Pritam himself. The style of composition as well as the arrangements are extremely similar. It has Pritam’s footprints all over. Sunidhi might be a better choice, considering the low pitched singing. Arijit has already sung few of Pritam’s songs that matches the similar style of rhythm and he perfects in this as well. Although this is not one of his best, Amitabh manages to remain stick to the mood and style of the song.

3. Udi Udi Jaye – Singers: Sukhwinder Singh, Bhoomi Trivedi, Karsan Sgathia; Music: Ram Sampath; Lyrics: Javed Akhtar – The Garba-ish rhythm is excellently placed throughout the song, no matter how predictable it sounds, it sets up the mood right there in the beginning. Sukhwinder’s surplus rendition of do dil ude is one of the attractive elements of the song. Lyrics gets a bit cliched, particularly in the mukhda. Mandolin is well used and so is the vocal interlude of Karsan. A predictable composition with predictable lyrics but few vocal and musical arrangements make it appreciable.

4. Dhingana – Singer: Mika Singh; Music: Aheer (JAM8); Lyrics: Mayur Puri – So the moment it began, I got reminded of so many songs which have this similar style and feel. One of them was Satakli from Happy New Year. The song belongs to that genre which is fine but it lands up offering nothing new or appealing. Aheer, in that sense, fails to create his own individuality. With Mika and Mayur Puri behind him, he couldn’t pull off a great start.

5. Enu Naam Che Raees – Singers: Ram Sampath, Tarannum Malik; Music: Ram Sampath; Lyrics: Ram Sampath, Hiral Brahmbhatt – The song has been made appealing with its percussion and few vocal sounds but that do not help much as it does not have a proper catchy tune that can be followed. When it comes to theme tracks, Ram is excellent, which has already been proven in Talaash and Delhi Belly among many. Here, he gets faded because there is not a single tune able enough to hold attention. Could have been way better.

6. Saanson Ke – Singer: KK; Music: Aheer (JAM8); Lyrics: Manoj Yadav – Aheer who manages to be quite better in his second attempt, creates a romantic number for KK, someone who has been strongly associated with Pritam. KK, with his midas touch, has given this song a much-needed feel which would have not been there otherwise. A nice composition, though Aheer seems to have preferred staying in a safer zone.

7. Ghammar Ghammar – Singer: Roshan Rathod; Music: Ram Sampath; Lyrics: Traditional – A traditional melody that Ram Sampath has creatively produced bringing Roshan Rathod on board who has a perfect voice for handling a song like this. Not much effort has been given in the track it seems, and the controlled effort has worked in favor of the song. Short duration is one such.

The problem with the album is the conflict between Ram Sampath’s script rooted songs and JAM8’s mainstream melodies.

Worth Listening: Zaalima, Udi Udi Jaye

The Final Verdict: 2.5/5

Public Ki Sameekshaa

This laila oh laila in #Raees is just pathetic the original song with zeenat was just wow why do they sabotage old songs

A Ribhu Dasgupta thriller backed by Sujoy Ghosh, it is a film about a grandfather who is in search of his lost granddaughter. The film has Amitabh Bachchan, Vidya Balan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Music is given by Clinton Cerejo.

1. Haq Hai – Singer: Clinton Cerejo – It is that song which the film needs. It amazingly sets up the tension that is probably there in the film. Clinton’s vocals help more in bringing up that intense atmosphere to the surface. Arrangements have been done simply with Piano, Guitar and Drums and the lyrics goes accordingly with it.

2. Rootha – Singers: Benny Dayal, Divya Kumar, Bianca Gomes – After setting up the atmosphere, Clinton cleverly introduces a foot-tapping rhythm having a lovely Bengali sound in the percussion along with some Bengali lines by Bianca. Benny and Divya shoulder the song excellently and a catchy hook line makes it quite appealing and lyrics makes it even more. #WelcomeSong

4. Grahan – Singer: Vishal Dadlani – It’s fascinating to hear Vishal carrying these kind of compositions so well. Clinton has given it a complete Rock sound which totally justifies the composition and the vocals. The pace is appealing and the lyrics of Amitabh is full of mysteries which gives the listener a reason to enjoy the track more. Pacey

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Balki has come up with an extremely interesting subject this time, with the tagline being Streeling, Pulling, Samething, starring Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles. Also, Balki has gone multi-composer this time having Mithoon and Meet Bros along with Illayaraja.

1. High Heels Te Nachche – Singer: Jaz Dhami, Aditi Singh Sharma; Music: Yo Yo Honey Singh (Recreated by Meet Bros); Lyrics: Kumaar (Rap: Yo Yo Honey Singh) – The superhit Honey Singh track has been recreated having Aditi as an additional voice and Kumaar’s added lines. The song neither sounds elevated nor degraded. It rather has a mixed flavor having the rap as the prominent element like it always has been. Hardly any change in quality, remains just like the original making the point of remaking it pointless.

2. Ji Huzoori – Singer: Mithoon, Deepali (Backing Vocals: Arun Daga); Music: Mithoon; Lyrics: Sayeed Quadri – Mithoon after a very long time is heard with his original sound, something which he is known for. The arrangements are vintage Mithoon-ish, not just having digital beats which his songs usually have lately. But the lyrics is something to actually look out for in this song. This is one of the best songs by Sayeed Quadri, disregarding all the weird theories of love in Bollywood songs. It’s worth mentioning. Meri har khushi mein toh teri khushi, mohobbat mein aisa zaroori nahi, tu milna chaahe na mil sakun main, na milna mera koi doori nahi, mohobbat hai yeh, ji huzoori nahi. One of the most sensible songs in recent times. #WelcomeSong

3. Most Wanted Munda / Kabir Most Wanted Munda – Singers: Meet Bros / Meet Bros, Palak Muchhal; Music: Meet Bros; Lyrics: Kumaar – This is such a song that after listening, one wonders why did Balki approve it. It’s such an ordinary track from Meet Bros, something of a kind which one must have heard so many times before. It’s hard to find any difference in both the versions because there is none. Ridiculously catchy.

4. Foolishq – Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Armaan Malik; Music: Illaiyaraja; Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya – Absurd lyrics, extremely ordinary composition, and not-much-to-do-about singing. It was not at all expected from Illaiyaraja, and definitely not expected from Amitabh to write such avoidable lyrics. The composition is so flat, unappealing and dull that it leaves not much option but to skip.

5. Pump It (The Workout Song) – Singers: Yash Narvekar, Meet Bros; Music: Meet Bros; Lyrics: Kumaar – Another passable track by Meet Bros who do not at all seem to be in form, delivering tunes which are so unappealing and avoidable. Yash doesn’t help the song with his vocals neither does Kumaar with his lyrics. Avoid

This album with unappealing compositions and absurd lyrics has Mithoon – Sayeed Quadri song being the only exception.

Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy; Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya; Music Label: Zee Music Company

1. Lapak Jhapak – Singers: Siddharth Mahadevan, Yashita Sharma, Armaan Malik – The choice of the singers is appreciable with Siddharth clearly leading the other two in this youth(full/less) song with a mediocre approach in lyrics by Amitabh. The weirdness in the way lapak jhapak has been said is extremely annoying if not unintentional. Lazy attempt.

2. Khuda Hai Tere Andar – Singer: Arijit Singh – Arijit as always is near to perfect in this inspirational track which SEL are expert in. Though in this genre the masters do not seem to be in full form this time. The track is well composed but could have been more decorative through some exciting arrangements which the trio have already done and proved million times before. Lyrics though stand out! Lacks presentation. #WelcomeSong

This is absolutely the biggest film of this year as Shahrukh and Kajol are romancing on screen after a long time. The songs that are released are already hit and the hit machine Pritam seems to have left no stone unturned in music making for this SRK-Kajol starer Rohit Shetty film Dilwale.

1. Gerua – Singers: Arijit Singh, Antara Mitra – The grandest song of the year starts very unusually but soon allows the beautifully tuned Flute to enter, giving hints of ecstasy soon to be found in the song. Pritam has attempted to deliver a typical SRK-Kajol track focusing on 90s-like Dafli that would make you remember of all those Yash Chopra melodies. The orchestration is brilliant in end with all those Violins echoing inside your head for quite long. There’s issue with Arijit’s tonal quality though. The song in the second antara sounds a bit monotonous due to the constant high notes which Arijit is seemed to be having trouble with. His vocals sound a bit stressed. Antara Mitra has not much to deal with though one surely misses Shreya here to bring the much needed effortlessness and genuineness in the song. Amitabh’s lyrics are already much talked about especially the word Gerua which is the color Saffron. Blockbuster and Memorable.

2. Manma Emotion Jaage – Singers: Amit Mishra, Anushka Manchanda, Antara Mitra – A pretty cool Hip-Hop track which has a sufficient amount of desi-ness in the composition as well as in the lyrics. It has that 90s tapori feel in the required amount. Quite unique sounds have been used by Pritam and the programming is done with efficiency. The tune in the mukhda could have been catchier as Pritam has a great history with catchy tunes. The song however grows on you gradually. Amit is impressive in the track, Antara has a catchy desi typical saiyaan portion and Anushka handles the rap quite effortlessly. Desi typical 90s with experimental programming.

3. Janam Janam – Singer: Arijit Singh, Antara Mitra – This is one of those melodies that can be termed “classic” from day one. Arijit and Antara superbly handles this lovable composition of Pritam which is based on the prelude of Gerua. If Gerua has 90s feel, it has 50s black & white feel which after the half mukhda becomes somewhat Bhatt-like. I wish if Arijit had avoided that aggressive alaap which spoils the sugary essence of the song. Antara has a more prominent role here and she justifies it completely. Magnum Opus #WelcomeSong

4. Tukur Tukur – Singer: Arijit Singh – This amusing Goan-flavor song brings a smile to face. The chorus saying tukur tukur is very impressively arranged. Arijit has justified the mood of the track which is so different from the other Arijit songs in the album. A fun-filled track.

5. Daayre – Singer: Arijit Singh – The only track which has been kept separated from any kind of 90s effect. It comes quite in the Saaware (Phantom) zone, having Guitar setting up the mood. It is a sad song but has a delightful mukhda, the rhythm giving the feel of a journey song. Arijit is flawless in this, being in his comfort zone. Delightful.

6. Premika – Singer: Benny Dayal, Kanika Kapoor – Pritam has nailed this one, giving the 90s style composition his unique signature. A very catchy track with lots and lots of interesting sounds in the background that are sufficient to drive you towards dance floor. Benny and Kanika who are the complete dynamos seem to be a perfect choice for this song. More than just the composition, it has layers and layers of unique sounds. Better put on your headphones.

Dilwale is an answer to this question of how the songs would have been if Pritam had been composing in the 90s era.

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Vikas Bahl after his directorial Queen which won accolades, is returning with Shaandaar starring Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor. The film has been backed by Dharma along with Phantom so it is being looked forward to. Music is given by the Phantom’s favorite Amit Trivedi.

1. Shaam Shaandaar – Singer: Amit Trivedi – Starts with a typical way of Dhol playing, and fluidly switching over the grand Trumpets lavishly arranged are unfortunately very few of the elements that are to be looked forward to. After a grand introduction, Trivedi gets into his comfortable zone, not letting any experimentation disturb the comfort. Amitabh too plays safe here, not getting into too much of quirkiness, rather using ordinary description of this grand evening. It is shaandaar indeed. But it is just that!

2. Gulaabo – Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Anusha Mani; Guest Lyricist: Anvita Dutt – Vishal and Anusha nail this one with their vocals full of zest at their best. Amit’s obsession to Brass always works in his favor. In this song particularly, he plays with the instruments amusingly, bouncing them, halting them, and utilizing their sounds with winning arrangements on which Anvita’s quirkiness doubles the madness. Cucking frazy!

3. Nazdeekiyaan – Singers: Nikhil Paul George, Neeti Mohan – The grandeur of romance, when you present the romance in a glorifying yet matured manner. Amit somewhat pulls out the best of the arrangements, getting into the dreamy texture with brilliant orchestration where Neeti Mohan amazingly justifies the song’s demand, and Nikhil, though sounding odd at places, manages to captivate. Though it is felt at few places that the other Nikhil, the D’Souza one would have been more suitable. Amitabh’s lyrics start spreading its fragrance when you are done awing the melody, the arrangements and the singing. Simply Ecstatic! #WelcomeSong

4. Senti Wali Mental – Singers: Arijit Singh, Neeti Mohan, Swanand Kirkire, Amit Trivedi – A 9-minute qawwali which stands out basically for the wacky lyrics by Amitabh, creating an amusing fight between two groups of males and females, as the system of traditional qawwalis have always been. Arijit, Neeti and Swanand Kirkire make it work effectively with Amit Trivedi not having a specific role, not only as a singer but also as a composer as the song is lyric oriented, though using folk arrangements till a point is quite impressive. Entertaining!

5. Raitaa Phailgaya – Singer: Divya Kumar – Amit, when has to compose an out and out commercial track, either spoils it or ignites it, but never enters into mediocrity, rather prefers to go to the extremes. Surprisingly this track is so un-Amit as it is filled with ordinariness, nothing special, just the normal beats and decent arrangements with just Divya Kumar’s enjoyable singing and Amitabh’s creative writing that saves this song somehow. A line deserves a mention Gulzar ke geeton mein jab Yo Yo Honey Singh ghus gaya, toh raitaa phailgaya!

With the help of lyricists Amitabh Bhattacharya and Anvita Dutt, Amit Trivedi manages to pull out an impressive soundtrack.